€10m upgrade for breast cancer checks

IRISH women are being promised more accurate and better-quality test results following the introduction by the national breast screening programme of a fully digitalised X-ray service.

Ireland is the first country in the world to offer facilities nationwide, according to BreastCheck.

Health Minister Mary Harney launched the updated service yesterday.

Speaking in Dublin, Ms Harney commended the National Cancer Screening Service for updating the programme saying Ireland has become a world leader in the provision of quality-assured screening programmes.

“Primarily because of the improved image quality there will also be improved productivity and efficiency within the organisation, as there is no longer a need for processing of X-ray films,” she said.

National Cancer Screening Programme chief executive Tony O’Brien said the €10 million upgrade will mean smaller lumps will be more visible with the updated equipment.

“The digital service provides a clearer, crisper image and will also allow for better archiving of results,” he said.

The recently opened BreastCheck service in the south and west began with a fully digitalised service while all seven mobile screening units have been modernised.

BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, contacts women, aged 50-64 every two years to offer a free breast X-ray.

National breast screening programmes have been shown to reduce incidences of breast cancer by up to 20% in their target age group.

* www.breastcheck.ie